
Ozzie J.

Teaching Locations:



Teaching Locations:



Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedAbout Ozzie J.
I am a pianist and a passionate teacher of pianists of all shapes and sizes. The joy of playing the piano is one that my skills as a teacher help me infuse into my students. I also find it to be quite a positive feedback loop for me: teaching makes me want to hone my own skills and playing well gives me the desire to share the wonders of music with others.
I am currently finishing my Doctorate in Piano Performance at Ball State University. Before Ball State, I earned my Master's in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at Ohio University in 2016 and my Bachelor's in Piano Performance at Wheaton College in 2011.
In between Wheaton and OU, I acquired three valuable years of experience teaching piano lessons in various capacities, both privately and at Bellas Artes School of Music in Glen Ellyn, IL. In that time, I taught up to 40 students per week of all ages and backgrounds, implementing various teaching methods. I loved every minute of it, but I knew I needed to grow as a teacher and a pianist, so I made the decision to go to grad school.
At OU, I continued teaching private lessons, but only about 10 at a time. My studies focused heavily on piano pedagogy, which were pivotal in my development as a teacher. I also enjoyed working on my own pianistic prowess, which is continuing to this day (and, I hope, long into the future).
At Ball State, my focus shifted from teaching to really honing my pianism, so I taught drastically fewer private piano lessons, but my graduate assistantship duties gave me the opportunity to gain experience in classroom teaching in music theory, ear training, and group piano. I have also been developing my compositional side - to that end, my in-progress dissertation is a composition for solo piano.
My initial goal in the first lessons with a student is to discern their unique learning style - that fun mix of modalities that makes everyone approach the same task in their own, wonderful way. Once I learn the person, teaching that person becomes a fun journey toward discovering their potential in whatever goals we set. I am also happy helping students achieve a wide variety of goals, as learning to play the piano is not just about practicing scales and playing Beethoven (although, those certainly are worthy aspirations). Beyond the fundamentals of technique and reading music, piano lessons with me include focusing any amount of the following: classical, improvisation, composition, theory, jazz, popular styles, hymns, and beyond.
Reviews
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Ozzie was very knowledgeable and patient with my 12 year old son. In my son’s words “Ozzie is awesome in every way”. He was very inspiring.

Amazing

Super kind and super informative! He explained everything really well and guided me step by step! Definitely would recommend!

Ozzie is a great teacher.

Ozzie is a very patient teacher- my kids really enjoy the beginner lessons. The pace and material are just right.

good start

First day start learning piano from Ozzie. Hopefully in a month I can play heart and soul and fur elisa and much more . Start build basic fundamental. Thank you Ozzie!

Ozzie taught our children piano for two years prior to his moving out of state. We wish that he still lived here—he was the best piano/music teacher we have ever had! He’s very good with kids and knows how to motivate them. He has a love and passion for music that is infectious. He selected great pieces for our boys to play that we enjoyed listening to in our home. Both of our boys benefitted immensely from Ozzie’s instruction and I would highly recommend him for lessons for your child (or you)!
Photos & Videos
4 Photos & VideosExperience
Graduate Assistant
Aug 2016 - Apr 2020Ball State University
Graduate Assistant in Theory/Composition department for 3 years; taught music theory and ear training to music majors Graduate Assistant in Piano department for 1.5 years, taught group piano to music majors and accompanied Wind Ensemble
Graduate Assistant
Aug 2015 - Apr 2016Ohio University
-Administrative assistant, handled deposits for Athens Community Music School -Organized student records for ACMS at Ohio University -Represented School of Music at campus recruiting events -Accompanied Cadet Strings, a group of community string students, in rehearsal and bi-annual performances -Accompanist for Athens Children’s Chorus in rehearsal and in performance -Host for Honey for the Heart, a community found-art project held throughout month of October, culminating in Halloween parade using the puppets and props built during project
Graduate Piano Instructor
Sep 2014 - Apr 2016Athens Community Music School
Taught piano to up to 13 students, age 5-adult. Students performed in recitals each semester.
Piano Instructor
Sep 2011 - Jul 2014Bellas Artes School of Music
Taught up to 40 students per week from ages 4 - adult. Students performed in biannual recitals. Duties included teaching students in a professional environment, accompanying violin studio at recitals, maintaining contact with parents, resolving scheduling conflicts
Education
Doctor of Arts in Piano Performance
Aug 2016 - PresentBall State University
Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy
Aug 2014 - Apr 2016Ohio University
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance
Aug 2007 - May 2011Wheaton College
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
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